My hope for literacy in my classroom

As I took the time to reflect on literacy in my life, I am amazed how many classes I sat through and jumped through the hoops to be a successful student. What I didn't realize is that I walked out of the class at the end of the semester and didn't take new learned skills or information with me. I can't entirely explain why. I can point out some classes that it was the teacher... That is the teacher I DO NOT want to be.

So what does this all mean for me as a future FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) teacher. First off, I have some work to do. What work you may be asking? The work will include preparing meaningful learning experiences where my students don't just jump through my hoops just to pass that class. Instead I want to foster an environment where students have choice in projects and assignments. My hope is that they will take charge of their own learning as they do activities that interest them and still require learning.

This also means it is my job to help teach literacy in my content to my students as we learn. (I will be doing lots of learning with my students.) FACS classes is very applicable to every day life. It may not be in the language my students use, which is another challenge I will need to continually work on. Given my students practical application to their personal lives as well as have them brainstorm ways the concepts they learn have practical application can help them have a desire and interest in FACS. It will also scaffold literacy in FACS.

I understand may not be easy, but I think it is possible. I am excited to change the way I was educated to be more beneficial and enriching for my students.